10.30.2015

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Forth Edition, October 30, 2015

Featured Alumna: Hallie Murray '09

Every HOBY Alumnus has their own rehearsed answer to the question “What is HOBY?” I am entering my 7th year of answering that question, and my answer is something to the tune of, “HOBY is an experience where the most important friendships of your life are developed.” My favorite part of HOBY is setting the stage and providing the environment for the ambassadors to connect with each other and watch them form relationships with each other that will last them well into their adult lives. I fully believe that these connections are made during this three day weekend, but they are more and more reaffirmed every time you come back to volunteer with HOBY. When I was sitting in my chair at closing ceremonies at HOBY 2009, I had no clue what this organization would bring into my life. However, I did know that I had to do whatever it took to come back to this place and these people. I have returned to HOBY every summer since my ambassador year, and I have been a member of Junior Staff, a Junior Facilitator, a Facilitator (HOBY South Carolina), Director of Facilitators, Vice-Leadership Seminar Chair, and for the 2016 and 2017 seminars I will be the Leadership Seminar Chair. During the summer of 2009, HOBY consumed only three days of my life. Now there isn’t a day in the calendar that I don’t talk about, laugh about, or plan for HOBY, and I find so much joy in that.

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10.14.2015

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Third Edition, October 14, 2015

Featured Alumnus: Garrett Childers '11

HOBY has been a
beacon of hope, security and strength for me. I was privileged to go to HOBY back
in 2011. I arrived late, I walked into the main building and everyone standing
there stared at me then burst into enthusiastic cheering. My dad leaned over
and said, "Buckle up Garrett." I was stunned and perplexed, but I
fell in love with it. After the Georgia HOBY Seminar, I went onto WLC and
became friends with people all over the world. I went into HOBY, insecure,
fearful and distant. I left knowing I had a purpose and motivation; I can be
the change people need in the world. Before HOBY, I would go through my day,
walk in the hallway with my head down and just go through the motions. After HOBY,
I held my head high, I would say hey to everyone I passed. Going through high
school is a scary tough thing but with HOBY as my safety net, knowing I had
friends anytime I could call on anytime for anything. I made friendships that
last a lifetime. While there I made a friendship that has become one of my best
friends, a speaker, Dave Gamache. He spoke with so much fire and enthusiasm and
genuine love, I thought, I want to be like that. Sure enough years later, I am
working with him sharing my story along with his. HOBY has opened so many
doors, has transformed my heart and mind to be loving, humble and generous in
whatever I do. That is why I love HOBY.

HOBY Info:

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10.10.2015

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:

Forty-Second Edition, October 10, 2015

Featured Alumna: Allie Petersen '10

In 2010, Georgia HOBY began
transforming my life and it still continues to do so today. One of the most
important things that I learned as an ambassador was that every single person
is overflowing with ideas, and that the best leaders take the time to let
everyone voice their opinions. I learned that being in charge does not mean you
make all of the decisions on your own, but you facilitate a group in making the
best decision for everyone affected. Since my ambassador year, I have attended
HOBY on staff every year since and it truly does change lives. Not only as an
ambassador, but also in every other role I have played at HOBY – Jr. Staff, Jr.
Facilitator, and Facilitator. HOBY continues to ‘light my inner fire’ which
pushes me to serve my community by volunteering, being a leader, and following
my passions. This has all helped to lead me to my passion for youth development
through sports. I will soon be graduating from Gardner-Webb University with a
B.S. in Sport Management. I am so thankful to be part of an organization that
continues to give back so much to me as well as so many others!

HOBY Info:

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